Shopping for toddlers is tricky business. While you may not have the same pressure as shopping for an impossible-to-please adolescent, you want your gift to be loved and enjoyed; not tossed aside in a pile that eventually makes its way out for donation.
I’m thankful to receive a lot of amazing gifts for Evan from my partners, and that also means I have a pretty good sense of what keeps little ones engaged, stimulated and challenged. I also love hunting for fun and educational toys for Evan, from local finds to name-brand classics. I am so excited to share with you guys my carefully curated list of toddler-approved toys, and just in time for Black Friday. How am I so sure these gifts are hits? Because each and every one of them has a special spot in our home, and have provided Evan with endless hours fun. If you’re in the hunt for practical and fun gifts, you’re in the right spot! Grab your coffee and let’s do some shopping!
Lovevery Play Kits – This right here folks is my top gift recommendation this year! When Evan was around 4 months old, I went on the hunt for some great, age-appropriate toys. I fell in love with Lovevery for their well thought out, meaningful kits, and have been ordering from them ever since. They offer a wide range of kits based on your child’s age (we still use some of the items from our 6 month kit now), which are available to purchase on a subscription basis or one-off. These also make incredible gifts for expecting parents, new parents, babies and toddlers. Use code PLAYKITS30 for 30% off right now.
Lovevery Blocks – Another Lovevery favourite of mine is their blocks. This set has been a hit not only with Evan, but with his cousins ranging in age from 1 – 8 years old. Whenever we have company, this set always finds its way out. Stack, thread, build a car, learn shapes …the options are endless! A truly magical experience for littles.
Pikler Triangle + Wobble Board – We gifted Evan this made-in-Canada Pikler Triangle + Wobble Board set last Christmas when he was 1.5 years old and he has gotten great use out of it this year. It’s been awesome watching him grow with the Pikler triangle and learn to climb over. He pretends to snowboard on the wobble board, which is great practice from the upcoming season.
Once Upon a Boy Affirmation Cards – I am super excited to be able to include these incredible affirmation cards in my gift guide this year. Created for BOYS, these cards offer diverse illustrations and meaningful, conversation-provoking messages. There isn’t much on the market catered towards the little men of the world, so when Once Upon a Mat create this set of affirmation cards I couldn’t wait to start using them with Evan. These have become part of our daily routine, and I look forward to using them for many years to come. You can purchase online or at Maker’s Mojo in Downtown Oakville.
Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster – We have a basketball net on each floor of our home, as well as a small outdoor one. Can you tell Evan loves basketball? The new Fisher-Price B.B. Hoopster is super fun for little ones (and adults) because its interactive components. It moves, talks and encourages kids in a playful way.
Lunii Storybook – I love this storyteller because it doesn’t use screens, has so many story options to choose from, and it’s great for at-home or in the car. Kids can turn on, select their characters, setting & more, and enjoy a magical story! You can also purchase more books for hours of listening fun.
Guitar – Evan, like many toddlers, has a strong love for music. He fell in love with this guitar during a visit to Indigo, and would not stop asking about it. While we wanted to save this for Christmas, we ended up caving and giving it to him as a Diwali gift. He plays music, dances, pretends he’s a Wiggle …it’s just adorable to watch! Our friends at Little Tikes added to Evan’s band with this drum set, which he is equally as obsessed with now.
Cat Construction Trucks – Cat Construction trucks are a timeless favourite, and great for both indoor and outdoor play. Evan uses the smaller ones inside (they’re also great for sensory bins, as a cake toppers, etc ), and we keep a couple for outdoor use in the garden and at the beach. We also love their Power Haulers assortment, with three variations of trucks.
Thomas 2-in-1 Transforming Playset – This 2-in-1 transforming set is great because it has multiple uses. Kids can play with/ push Thomas, or open the passenger cars to build out a full track set. The track fits neatly inside, making clean-up a breeze.
Sariso Boba Pop Fidget Toy – Fidget toys are undoubtedly one of the hottest gifts this season, and while they aren’t hard to come by, I personally love the ones by Happy Naturals. This Canadian company offers the most products and amazing service, and I’m pleased to offer you guys 15% off their entire site with discount code KIKI15.
Washable Paint – Painting is always a great idea, but save yourself the time and headache and invest in washable paints. I learned the hard way, letting Evan paint with my paint collection, only to have the paint not wash out of his clothes. These washable paints were recommended to me by another mama, so I picked up a pack for Evan’s stocking although I’m pretty sure they’re going to be brought out sooner.
Easel – Speaking of painting, what better way to let your little artist explore their inner creativity than with a multi-use easel. This is on Evan’s Christmas list this year, and I love this particular board because it has a dry-erase and magnetic side, as well as a paper roll that pulls down for drawing/ painting. There is also a chalkboard on the other side.
Convertible Sleigh Wagon – It’s the 2-in-1 for me. We use this in the spring, summer and fall, and love how it easily converts into a sled during winter months. The handle folds under, so it fits into the car for outdoor adventures.
Remote Control Car Monster Truck – We got Evan this truck for Christmas last year, and he is obsessed. Be warned that it is a battery-sucker, but it provides endless fun for kids …and the quality is great!
Kitchen – With tons of kitchens on the market, the KidKraft ones are a favourite because they are fun and practical without taking up too much real estate.
Leapfrog 3D Interactive Learning System – I love the interactive, educational aspect of Leapfrog products, and couldn’t resit this learning system for Evan.
Lego Duplo – We have a few Lego Duplo sets and get great use out of them. We’ll sit together for a solid 45 minutes as a family, building together, and Evan loves playing these on his own as well. I personally love the barn set which is currently sold out, but this amusement park is also adorable.
Glow Kiddo Glow Affirmation Cards – Another one of my favourite affirmation card sets is by Glow Kiddo Glow. Also available at Maker’s Mojo, these cards contains beautiful illustrations and positive affirmations for kids of all ages.
Trampoline – Because really, what kid doesn’t love a trampoline? My mom suggested getting Evan the Little Tikes trampoline last year, and it’s been one of the greatest purchases ever since. It sits on our main floor and is enjoyed every day.
Photobook by Fujifilm Printlife – Photobook for a toddler? Hear me out, because I guarantee this will be one of their favourite gifts this year. Last year we gifted both sets of grandparents Fujifilm Printlife photobooks, and we also created one for Evan with his monthly pizza pictures. Well, let me tell you, Evan would not put these books down, and still loves flipping through them when he’s at his grandparents. This year I’m making photobooks for the grandparents again, but I’m also surprising Evan with his own one filled with pictures of his family, friends & all our 2021 adventures. View all the deals at Fujifilm Printlife here (including discounts on photobooks).
xo, Kiki